RSPCA Victoria figures reveal worst areas for animal cruelty in Melbourne’s east

A wire “noose” left to trap rabbits on public land was just one of the grisly matters reported to RSPCA Victoria in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, where one area had 300 cases. See how your area compares when it comes to animal cruelty.

There were more than 1000 animal cruelty reports in the eastern suburbs in 2018-19.

A “disgusting” wire rabbit trap left on public land was among more than a thousand sickening animal cruelty cases in Melbourne’s east.

RSPCA Victoria figures reveal there were 1314 reports of animal abuse in the eastern suburbs in 2018-19, with 362 of them in the Yarra Ranges.

There were 194 complaints in Monash, 181 in Knox and 164 in Whitehorse.

A Lilydale woman found a rabbit trapped in the wire slipknot, which had been tied to a fence near Olinda Creek.

“It’s inhumane and it’s disgusting,” Anne Maree Stewart told Leader last year.

“It’s the most slow, painful death for any animal to endure.”

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Neglect was the most common abuse reported across Victoria in 2018-19, with thousands of animals starved of food, water and shelter.

Other cruelty cases included underweight animals, dire hygiene grooming and housing conditions, sick animals deprived of veterinary treatment and creatures being beaten or wounded.

Anne Maree Stewart rescued a rabbit from this handmade wire noose in Lilydale.

She found a similar trap in the area a few months later.

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Overall there were more than 11,000 cruelty reports made across the state – up 996 from the previous financial year.

The worst areas for cases per capita were the Pyrenees, which had one reported case of abuse for every 101 people, followed by Loddon Shire where there was a case for every 139 residents.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker said it was “heartbreaking” animals were suffering, often due to a lack of basic care.

“Looking at these figures it’s easy to feel disheartened however … the individuals who make these reports give a voice to vulnerable animals who can’t speak for themselves,” she said.

Yarra Ranges Council acting communities director Greg Box said the council received 25 requests to investigate animal welfare in 2018-19.

“Council, along with local vet clinics, provides information to animal owners about the importance of responsible pet ownership,” he said.

“Our rangers also work with Animal Aid to reunite lost animals with their owners and promote responsible pet ownership wherever possible.”

Anyone with concerns about an animal’s welfare should contact RSPCA Victoria on 9224 2222 or at rspca.org.au

ANIMAL CRUELTY REPORTS TO THE RSPCA IN THE EAST 2018-19

Yarra Ranges – 362

Monash – 194

Knox – 181

Whitehorse – 164

Maroondah – 118

Boroondara – 111

Manningham – 95

Stonnington – 89